Editorials

Dodgers Dilemma: Which Starting Pitchers Can Be Traded For?

Johnny Cueto

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Cincinnati Reds (39-47,  fourth place in National League Central) –

Johnny Cueto: Though the Reds hoped to be competitive this season, they currently own a 39-47 record and are 15.5 games out of first place — almost guaranteeing them to be sellers.

Their ace, Cueto, is currently in the midst of another fantastic season (2.73 ERA, 3.06 FIP in 118.2 IP) and will likely be in high demand amongst contenders looking for a front-line pitcher to give them a push to the postseason.

Predicted cost: Because of his impending free agency at the end of the season, teams might be hesitant on packaging a top prospect in a deal for a rental. The Dodgers certainly won’t give up Julio Urias or Corey Seager, but their next best prospect Grant Holmes, could be in play.

Mike Leake: Leake, another free agent at the end of the season, isn’t quite having the same success as Cueto this year. In 114.2 innings pitched, his ERA of 4.08 isn’t too far from his FIP of 4.14 and his WHIP of 1.24 isn’t that much impressive, either.

Predicted cost: While Leake is a talented pitcher, it won’t take a top prospect to land him. The Reds will probably hope for at least one top-10 prospect, depending on how the market plays out.

Miami Marlins (38-51, fourth place in National League East) –

Dan Haren: Been there, done that.

But in all seriousness, Haren doesn’t appear to be a fit for the Dodgers. The fact that the new regime is paying his entire salary for this season to pitch for another team says enough.

Predicted cost: Cash considerations and/or a lottery-type prospect.

Mat Latos: When the Marlins acquired Latos last offseason, they envisioned him anchoring their rotation while Jose Fernandez recovered from Tommy John surgery. Unfortunately for them, he hasn’t lived up to those expectations.

In 75.1 innings pitched so far, he has a rather bad 4.90 ERA but an encouraging 3.50 FIP. After struggling mightily earlier in the season, he has somewhat pitched better as of a late, giving a boost to his trade value.

Predicted cost: The combination of his down season and upcoming free agency will limit what the Marlins hope to receive back in a trade. If they land a prospect or two in an organization’s top-15-20 range, it would be a success.

Milwaukee Brewers (38-52, last place in National League Central) –

Kyle Lohse: In the last season of a three-year contract signed in 2013, Lohse could be on the move soon as the Brewers look likely to sell. The only problem is, he’s been one of the worst starters in the National League this season.

In 108 innings, he has accumulated a 6.17 ERA with a less than satisfying 4.84 FIP. His main concern has been the home run ball — allowing 1.8 per game (21 total).

Predicted cost: Lohse is turning 37 years old in October and has declined steadily since the 2013 season began. As a result, he will hardly cost anything if a team wants to take a flier on him and hope that he finds a hot streak during the final two months of the season.

New York Mets (47-42, second place in National League East) –

Jon Niese: Even though the Mets will likely be buyers at the trade deadline, they have an excessive amount of starting pitching that they could use to fill out other voids on their roster. One option is left-handed pitcher Jon Niese, who has been decent at best this season.

Totaling 104.2 innings to date, he’s accumulated a 3.61 ERA and 4.17 FIP while registering a high 1.38 WHIP.

Predicted cost: The Mets need infield help and the Dodgers have an excess amount of infielders. Hypothetically, players like Alberto Callaspo, Alex Guerrero, and Jimmy Rollins fit the criteria, though it would be shocking if either of the latter two were dealt.

CONTINUE READING: Is Cole Hamels The Answer?

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Staff Writer

Staff Writer features content written by our site editors along with our staff of contributing writers. Thank you for your readership.

3 Comments

  1. Get someone that isnt just ok but good and I mean good to go with Clayton and Zack otherwise this team is not going any futher than winning their weak division once again….no way no how could this current team without another established starter going to get past St. Lou so please Dodger F.O make the deal trade Guerrero and a top prospect and would even think offering a so called 5 tool man as Puig in the deal…..Like Puig a lot but we have enough good outfielders to do the job in fact Yasiel hasnt really done anything yet to help us get where we are right now…not one single thing…. Do it get the pitcher so we have a real chance to go all the way

  2. Kershaw already took his revenge on the Cardinals by handing the Royals home field in the WS. Unless they got a Cueto or a Price they’re going nowhere important.

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